Portland GC joins the National Register of Historic Places

The National Parks Service (NPS) recently added the Portland (Ore.) Golf Club’s clubhouse and course to the National Register of Historic Places.

Built in 1928, the Portland (Ore.) GC clubhouse is the birthplace of the Golf Writers Association, founded after the 1946 PGA Championship. (Photo: Portland GC)

“This was a team effort,” said Lonnie Lister, general manager/COO of Portland GC. “Achieving this respected designation from the National Park Service is an important part of the club’s history and one that will be part of our future legacy.”

With the honor, Lister said Portland Golf Club now joins clubs and courses such as Baltusrol Golf Club (N.J), Oakmont Country Club (Pa.), Merion Golf Club (Pa.), Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (N.Y.), and Winged Foot Golf Club (N.Y.)

Jason Dorn, director of agronomy, leads the maintenance department.

The course opened for business in 1915 after the Firlock Station, along the Oregon Electric Railroad. The course transitioned to 18 holes in 1927. In 1928, the original clubhouse opened, and it retains much of the historical integrity of the original building today.

“Although the course itself has been lightly altered to better suit modern needs, the building remains adjacent to the greens and fairways at the south and east,” the club’s application to the NPS reads. “Outside the course grounds, the setting remains largely residential to the west. As such, the Portland Golf Club Clubhouse and Golf Course retain the integrity of the setting.”

In 1946, the Club hosted the PGA Championship, and the 1947 Ryder Cup, the first held in the U.S. since the end of World War II.